Vehicle communication via multiple wireless communication links

ABSTRACT

A method of communication between first and second controllers positioned in spaced relation along a length of a vehicle system includes establishing first and second wireless, parallel communication channels between the first and second controllers. The channels operate at different carrier frequencies. The first controller transmits common information in parallel on the first and second wireless communication channels to the second controller, and the second controller receives the information transmitted in parallel on first and second wireless communication channels. The first and second wireless communication channels are then deactivated Subsequently, a single communication channel is established for communicating other, different information between the controllers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/235,144, which was filed on 28 Dec. 2018, and the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The subject matter described herein relates to communications betweendevices of a vehicle system.

Description of Related Art

Some vehicle devices utilize single wireless communication channels orlinks. For example, some existing head of train (HOT) and end of train(EOT) devices onboard rail vehicle systems utilize a single wirelesscommunication channel or link and, therefore, do not have redundancywhen the vehicle systems pass through a challenging radio frequency (RF)environment. Current practices and regulations allow for long periods oftime without communication between the HOT and EOT, e.g., up toapproximately 16.5 minutes. This can be potentially an unsafe situation,especially where emergency braking is needed when there is nocommunication.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Generally, provided, in some non-limiting embodiments or examples is amethod of communicating between first and second controllers e.g., anHOT and an EOT, of a rail vehicle system, e.g., train.

In an embodiment, a method of communication between a first wirelesstransceiver (e.g., an HOT device) positioned at or proximate a front ofa vehicle system (e.g., train) and a second wireless transceiver (e.g.,an EOT device) positioned at or proximate a rear of the vehicle systemis provided. The method can include providing, between, for example, theHOT and the EOT, a plurality of wireless communication channels, witheach of the wireless communication channels operating at a differentradio carrier frequency than each other of the wireless communicationchannels. The method also can include causing the plural wirelesscommunication channels to be active and in communication in parallel andsubsequently communicating, by one of the HOT or EOT, information inparallel on the plural wireless communication channels, subsequentlyreceiving, by the other of the HOT or EOT, the information transmittedin parallel on the plural wireless communication channels, andsubsequently causing the plural wireless communication channels to beinactive and out of communication.

The method can repeat one or more of these operations (e.g.,intermittently).

Causing the channels to be inactive and out of communication can includedetermining, by the other of the HOT or EOT, data integrity of theinformation transmitted on each wireless communication channel. Inresponse to the determining that that the data integrity for theplurality of wireless communication channels is the same, the other ofthe HOT or EOT can store or respond to the information. Determining thedata integrity can include determining a checksum, aBose-Chaudhuri-Hocquenghem (BCH) code, and/or a cyclic redundancy check(CRC). The information that is communicated can include digital datathat is modulated on each radio carrier frequency.

Another method of communication between an HOT device positioned at orproximate a first end of a train and an EOT device positioned at orproximate a second end of a train is provided. The method can includeproviding, between the HOT and the EOT, first and second wirelesscommunication channels. The first wireless communication channel canoperate at a first frequency band and the second wireless communicationchannel operating at a second, different frequency band. The method alsocan include causing the first and second wireless communication channelsto be in communication in parallel, where the HOT and EOT are incommunication via both the first and second wireless communicationchannels. The method can include causing, by one of the HOT or EOT,information to be transmitted in parallel on the first and secondwireless communication channels, receiving, by the other of the HOT orEOT, the information transmitted in parallel on first and secondwireless communication channels, and causing the first and secondwireless communication channels to be inactive, where the HOT and EOTare out of communication with each other.

The HOT can include at least one HOT radio transceiver, the EOT caninclude at least one EOT radio transceiver, and the at least one HOTradio transceiver and the at least one EOT radio transceiver can enterinto a low power, stand-by or sleep mode, where the first and secondwireless communication channels are inactive. The method also caninclude one of the EOT and HOT radio transceivers awakening from the lowpower, stand-by or sleep mode into an active, fully operational mode,and initiating communication with the other of the EOT and HOT radiotransceivers via at least one of the first and second wirelesscommunication channels, where the other of the EOT and HOT radiotransceivers awakes from a low power, stand-by or sleep mode into anactive, fully operational mode, where the EOT and HOT radio transceiversform the first and second wireless communication channels. The lowpower, stand-by, or sleep mode can include the transceiver remaining onand receiving at least some electric current to remain powered, but withthe transceiver not receiving enough current to wirelessly transmit asignal. The active, fully operational mode can include the transceiverremaining on and receiving enough current to wirelessly transmit asignal. Alternatively, the low power, stand-by, or sleep mode caninclude the transceiver being deactivated or turned off such that thetransceiver is not receiving any current. The method also can repeat oneor more of the operations (e.g., intermittently or otherwise).

The method can include determining a first checksum of the informationtransmitted on the first wireless communication channel and a secondchecksum of the information transmitted on the second wirelesscommunication channel and, in response to determining that the first andsecond checksums are the same, storing or responding to the information.The method also can include determining a first checksum of theinformation transmitted on the first wireless communication channel anda second checksum of the information transmitted on the second wirelesscommunication channel. In response to determining the first checksum isnot equal to a reference checksum included in the informationtransmitted on at least one the first and second wireless communicationchannels and the second checksum is equal to the reference checksum, themethod can include storing or responding only to the informationtransmitted on the second wireless communication channel.

Responding to the information can include the other of the HOT or EOTcommunicating second information in parallel on the first and secondwireless communication channels, and the one of the HOT or EOT receivingthe second information transmitted in parallel on the first and secondwireless communication channels. The information can include digitaldata that is modulated on each frequency band.

Each frequency band can include a frequency of 450 MHz, between 450 MHzand 500 MHz, 220 MHz, 160 MHz. or a cellular telephone frequency between700 MHz and 2.7 GHz. The frequency may be a center frequency of thefrequency band.

Another method of communication between first and second controllersonboard a vehicle system is provided. Each controller may include one ormore processors. The method can include forming first and secondwireless communication channels between the first and secondcontrollers. The first wireless communication channel can operate at afirst frequency and the second wireless communication channel canoperate at a second, different frequency. The method also can includecausing the first and second wireless communication channels to be incommunication in parallel via both the first and second wirelesscommunication channels. The method can include the first controllercausing information to be transmitted in parallel on the first andsecond wireless communication channels to the second controller and thesecond controller receiving the information transmitted in parallel onfirst and second wireless communication channels. The method also caninclude causing the first and second wireless communication channels tobe inactive, whereupon the first and second controllers are out ofcommunication (e.g., unable to communicate with each other).

The first controller can include at least one first radio transceiverand the second controller can include at least one second radiotransceiver. The method also can include the first radio transceiverand/or the second radio transceiver entering into a low power, stand-by,or sleep mode, whereupon the first and second wireless communicationchannels are inactive. The method also can include one of the first andsecond radio transceivers awakening from the low power, stand-by orsleep mode into an active, fully operational mode and initiatingcommunication with the other of the first and second radio transceiversvia at least one of the first and second wireless communicationchannels, whereupon the other of the first and second radio transceiversawakes from a low power, stand-by or sleep mode into its active, fullyoperational mode. The first and second radio transceivers can then formthe first and second wireless communication channels.

The first controller can be one of an HOT device positioned at orproximate a first end of a vehicle system or an EOT device positioned ator proximate a second end of the vehicle system. The second controllercan be the other of the HOT and EOT.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic side-view of a vehicle system including apropulsion-generating vehicle and a number of non-propulsion-generatingvehicles;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of the HOT, EOT, and multiplecommunication channels or links of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of one embodiment or example of awireless transceiver that can be utilized with each of the HOT and EOTshown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of another method; and

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of another method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various non-limiting examples will now be described with reference tothe accompanying figures where like reference numbers correspond to likeor functionally equivalent elements.

For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “end,” “upper,”“lower,” “right,” “left,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,”“lateral,” “longitudinal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to theexample(s) as oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to beunderstood that the example(s) may assume various alternative variationsand step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Itis also to be understood that the specific example(s) illustrated in theattached drawings, and described in the following specification, aresimply exemplary examples or aspects of the invention. Hence, thespecific examples or aspects disclosed herein are not to be construed aslimiting.

With reference to FIG. 1 , in some embodiments or examples, a vehiclesystem 2 can include a propulsion-generating vehicle 4 and a number ofnon-propulsion-generating vehicles 6-1-6-X, where “X” can be any wholenumber greater than or equal to 2. The vehicle system can be a railvehicle system where the vehicle 4 represents a locomotive and thevehicles 6 represent rail cars. Alternatively, the vehicle system mayinclude a single vehicle 6 and/or more than one vehicle 4. Optionally,the vehicle system may be formed from non-rail vehicles, such asautomobiles, trucks, mining vehicles, marine vessels, barges, trailers,agricultural vehicles, or the like. In the example vehicle system 2shown in FIG. 1 , the vehicle 4 is the lead vehicle of the vehiclesystem and the vehicle 6-X is the last vehicle of vehicle system 2.Optionally, the lead vehicle can be a vehicle 6 other than the vehicle 4(e.g., the vehicle 4 can be positioned in the vehicle system 2 betweenthe lead vehicle and the last vehicle). For the purposes of thefollowing description, the vehicle 4 will be the lead vehicle of vehiclesystem 2.

In some embodiments or examples, the vehicle system 2 can include afirst communication unit 8 disposed in one location and a secondcommunication unit disposed in another location. The first communicationunit can be disposed onboard the lead vehicle and the secondcommunication unit can be disposed onboard the last vehicle. In oneembodiment, the first communication unit is an HOT unit and the secondcommunication unit is an EOT unit 12. These communication units can beused to control the brakes and/or throttles of the vehicle system.

Each of the communication units can include one or more than oneprocessor 18 and a memory 20 coupled to the processor(s) 18 andoperative for storing one or more software control programs and/oroperational data. The first communication unit can include a wirelesstransceiver (or radio) 26 and the second communication unit 12 caninclude a wireless transceiver (or radio) 28. The second communicationunit may include a location determining device 24 (e.g., a globalnavigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver, such as a globalpositioning system (GPS) receiver) and the first communication unit mayalso include an optional location determining device 22 (e.g., a GNSSreceiver such as a GPS receiver).

The processor(s) 18 and memory 20 of the first communication unit 8 cancomprise or form a controller 30 while the processor(s) 18 and memory 20of the second communication unit can comprise or form a controller 32.

Wireless transceivers 26 and 28 can each be programmed or configured toprovide a plurality of wireless communication channels therebetween.Each of the wireless communication channels can operate at a differentradio carrier frequency than each other wireless communication channel.The plurality of wireless communication channels can include a firstwireless communication channel 34 between wireless transceivers 26 and28 and a second wireless communication channel 36 between wirelesstransceivers 26 and 28. The first and second wireless communicationchannels 34 and 36 can be operated in parallel, where common informationor data can be transmitted in parallel over first and second wirelesscommunication channels 34 and 36. The common information also can bereferred to as the same information. The common or same information ordata can mean that the exact same data is communicated via each of thechannels in one example. In another example, the same information ordata can mean that only part, but not all, of the information or datasent via one channel is the same (and identical to) at least some of theinformation sent via the other channel. For example, the sameinformation may be sent on both channels but with one channel includingdifferent CRC or checksum data than the other channel.

Each wireless transceiver 26 and 28 can be programmed or configured tobe in a sleep state while not conveying information or data via thefirst and second wireless communication channels 34 and 36. When it isdesired to transmit information or data in parallel via the first andsecond wireless communication channels 34 and 36, the processor(s) 18can initiate the transmission can cause the corresponding wirelesstransceiver (26 or 28) to awake from the sleep state and begintransmitting the information or data via both wireless communicationchannels 34 and 36 in parallel to the other wireless transceiver (28 or26). The other wireless transceiver (28 or 26) in the sleep state can beprogrammed or configured to be responsive to information or datatransmitted on first and/or second wireless communication channels 34and/or 36 to awake from the sleep state to receive the information ordata transmitted in parallel on the first and second wirelesscommunication channels 34 and 36, to demodulate the information or datatransmitted thereon, and to provide the same to the processor(s)associated with the other wireless transceiver (28 or 26). For example,starting from the state where first and second radio transceivers 26 and28 are each in a sleep state, in response to the processor(s) 18 of thefirst communication unit 8 communicating information or data to wirelesstransceiver 26, the wireless transceiver 26 awakes from the sleep stateand begins transmitting the information or data over first and secondwireless communication channels 34 and 36 in parallel. In response tosensing information or data being transmitted at the first and secondcarrier frequencies 42 and 44 (FIG. 3 ) associated with first and secondwireless communication channels 34 and 36, the wireless transceiver 28can awake from the sleep state and complete the formation of the firstand second wireless communication channels 34 and 36. Thereafter, thewireless transceiver 28 can receive the information or data transmittedon first and second wireless communication channels 34 and 36,demodulate the information or data, and forward said demodulatedinformation or data to the processor(s) 18 of the second communicationunit for processing in accordance with programming of the secondcommunication unit. This processing can involve controlling or changingmovement of the vehicle system based on the information or data that iscommunicated. For example, the processing can involve changing athrottle setting or brake setting, or otherwise changing the movingspeed of the vehicle system, based on the information or data that isreceived.

With reference to FIG. 3 and with continuing reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, each wireless transceiver 26 and 28 can include a digital-to-analogconverter (DAC) which can convert digital data from the correspondingprocessor(s) 18 into analog data which can be supplied to a dualtransmitter 40. The dual transmitter 40 can modulate the analog signalreceived from the DAC 38 onto the first and second radio carrierfrequencies 42 and 44, which can be amplified by power amplifiers 46 and48, respectively, and transmitted via one or more antennas 50.

Each wireless transceiver 26 and 28 also can include low noiseamplifiers 52 and 54 for receiving and amplifying signals received viathe one or more antennas 50 and for providing the amplified signals to adual receiver 56. The dual receiver 56 can demodulate the signalsreceived from low noise amplifiers 52 and 54 and provide the demodulatedsignals to analog-to-digital converters (ADC) 58 and 60. The digitizedoutputs of the ADCs 58 and 60 can be provided to multiplexer 62 which,in turn, can provide the digitized outputs to the correspondingprocessor(s) 18 for processing in accordance with programming of theprocessor(s) 18.

The data communicated in parallel via first and second wirelesscommunication channels 34 and 36 between the first and secondcommunication units can include data integrity information appendedthereto. The integrity of the data being transmitted can be confirmedusing this data integrity information. Similarly, the information ordata received by the first and second communication units can include,in addition to the transmitted information or data, the data integrityinformation. Information from which the data integrity can be determinedcan include at least one of the following: a checksum; a BCH code; or aCRC.

In some embodiments or examples, in response to receiving the pluralinstances of information or data (including the data integrityinformation) from the ADCs 58, 60 and multiplexer 62, the correspondingprocessor(s) 18 (upon determining that each instance of the informationor data is valid or accurate from the data integrity information), theprocessor(s) 18 can further process either instance of the informationor data in accordance with programing of the processor(s) 18. On theother hand, for example, if one instance of the information or datafails the data integrity check and is invalid, and another instance ofthe information or data passes the data integrity check and is valid,the processor(s) 18 can use the latter or other instance of theinformation or data (that is valid) in accordance with the programmingof the processor(s) 18.

The foregoing description of the elements comprising each wirelesstransceiver 26 and 28 is for the purpose of illustration and is not tobe construed as limiting in every embodiment since it is envisioned thatone or both of wireless transceivers 26 and/or 28 may be comprised ofany other suitable and/or desirable elements that enable thetransmission and receipt of information or data over first and secondwireless communication channels 34 and 36.

Having described an example wireless transceiver for producing first andsecond wireless communication channels 34 and 36 in parallel, variousmethods of communication from or between the communication units 8, 12,or vice versa, will now be described.

With reference to FIG. 4 and with continuing reference to all previousfigures, one method of communication between the communication units 8,12 in accordance with the principles of the inventive subject matterwill now be described.

In some embodiments or examples, the method advances from a step 70-1 tostep 70-2 where plural wireless communication channels (e.g., 34 and 36)operating at different radio carrier frequencies are provided betweenthe communication units. In an example, step 70-2 can include, amongother things, providing the necessary hardware (e.g., wirelesstransceivers 26 and 28) to enable the plural wireless communicationchannels (e.g., 34 and 36) to be established between the communicationunits 8, 12. In some embodiments or examples, it is not necessary forthe one or more of the plural wireless communication channels to beactive in step 70-2.

At step 70-3, the plural wireless communication channels are caused(e.g., via the controllers of the communication units 8, 12) to becomeactive in communication in parallel. In step 70-4, one of thecommunication unit 8 or the communication unit 12 communicates (e.g.,transmits) some or all of the same information in parallel on the pluralwireless communication channels. In step 70-5, the other of thecommunication unit 8 or the communication unit 12 receives theinformation transmitted in parallel on the plural wireless communicationchannels in step 70-4.

In step 70-6, the plural wireless communication channels can then becaused to be inactive (e.g., placed into a sleep mode) and out ofcommunication. In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the pluralwireless communication channels can be inactive in response the wirelesstransceivers 26 and 28 entering a sleep mode. For example, the wirelesstransceiver 26 and/or 28 may turn off after a predetermined interval oftime during which no information or data is being passed between thewireless transceivers 26, 28. This timing of entering sleep mode can becontrolled by hardware of each wireless transceiver 26 and 28 and/or theprocessor(s) 18 coupled to each wireless transceiver.

Thereafter, steps 70-3 through 70-6 may be repeated (e.g.,intermittently) as needed when communication from the communication unit8 to the communication unit 12, or from the communication unit 12 to thecommunication unit 8, is desired. The information or data transmitted inparallel on the plural wireless communication channels can comprisedigital data that is modulated on each radio carrier frequency.

In an example, each communication channel can be operated at a radiocarrier frequency of approximately 160 MHz, 220 MHz, 450 MHz, or between450 MHz and 500 MHz. In an example, the first wireless communicationchannel 34 may operate at 160 MHz while second wireless communicationchannel 36 may operate at 220 MHz. Alternatively, both or at least oneof the communication channels 34, 36 can operate at 450 MHz. In anotherexample, each wireless communication channel 34 and 36 operates at adifferent carrier frequency.

In some embodiments or examples, at least one wireless communicationchannel 34 or 36 may comprise a cellular telephone infrastructurewhereupon information or data communicated on the wireless communicationchannel is routed through said cellular telephone infrastructure. Inthis example, instead of there being a direct communication betweenwireless transceivers 26 and 28, at least one wireless communicationchannel 34 or 36 can include information or data being transmitted viathe cellular telephone infrastructure (network). In an example, cellulartelephone frequencies can vary between 700 MHz and 2.7 GHz, depending onthe country or region where the vehicle system may be operating.

The choice of frequencies and, optionally, infrastructure used with eachwireless communication channel 34 and 36 can be selected in any suitableand/or desirable manner to accomplish the aim of communicatinginformation or data in parallel on first and second wirelesscommunication channels 34 and 36. Accordingly, the particulardescription of frequencies and/or infrastructure (e.g., a cellulartelephone infrastructure) that may be used is not to be construed in alimiting sense in all embodiments.

With reference to FIG. 5 , another method of communication between thecommunication units 8, 12 can include step 72-1 to step 72-2. In step72-2, first and second wireless communication channels 34 and 36operating at first and second radio frequency bands are provided betweenthe communication unit 8 and the communication unit 12. As discussedabove, it is envisioned that this step can comprise providing thenecessary hardware and/or software need to establish the first andsecond wireless communication channels 34 and 36.

At step 72-3, the first and second wireless communication channels 34and 36 are caused to be in communication in parallel, whereupon thecommunication unit 8 and the communication unit 12 are in communicationin parallel via both the first and second wireless communicationchannels 34 and 36.

At step 72-4, one of the communication unit 8 or the communication unit12 causes information or data to be transmitted in parallel on the firstand second wireless communication channels 34 and 36.

At step 72-5, the other of the communication unit 8 or the communicationunit 12 receives the information or data transmitted in parallel on thefirst and second wireless communication channels 34 and 36. At step72-6, the first and second wireless communication channels are caused tobe inactive (e.g., enter into a sleep mode or state), where thecommunication unit 8 and the communication unit 12 are out ofcommunication with each other. For example, the communication units 8,12 may not be able to communicate with each other when at least one ofthe communication units 8, 12 is inactive.

Steps 72-3 through 72-6 can be repeated (e.g., intermittently) as deemedsuitable and/or desirable to transmit information or data from thecommunication unit 8 to the communication unit 12, or vice versa.

One or more instances of step 72-3 optionally can include one of thewireless transceivers 26 or 28 awakening from the low power, stand-by,or sleep mode into the active, fully operational mode and initiatingcommunication with the other wireless transceiver 28 or 26 via a carrierfrequency associated with at least one of the first and/or secondwireless communication channels 34 and 36. In response, the otherwireless transceiver can awake from the low power, stand-by, or sleepmode to the active, fully operational mode, whereupon the wirelesstransceivers 26 and 28 can form the first and second wirelesscommunication channels 34 and 36.

When it is desired to communicate data between the communication unit 12and the communication unit 8, the processor(s) 18 of the communicationunit 12 optionally causes the wireless transceiver 28 to awaken from thelow power, stand-by, or sleep mode (where communication with thecommunication unit 12 does not occur or is not possible) into a fullyoperational mode to initiate communication with the wireless transceiver26 (which can be in the low power, stand-by, or sleep mode oralternatively may be active). In an example, while the wirelesstransceiver 26 is in the low power, stand-by or sleep mode, the wirelesstransceiver 26 can be programmed or configured to respond tocommunications from the wireless transceiver 28 and awaken from the lowpower, stand-by, or sleep mode (where communication does not or cannotoccur) into the active, fully operational mode (where communication canoccur). Once the wireless transceivers 26 and 28 have awakened from thelow power, stand-by, or sleep modes into the active, fully operationalmodes, the first and second wireless communication channels 34 and 36can be formed in parallel between the wireless transceivers 26 and 28.

As discussed above, each transmission of information or data in parallelon first and second wireless communication channels 34 and 36 optionallycan include data integrity information. In an example, this dataintegrity information can include a checksum of the information or datathat is transmitted. In response to receiving each instance ofinformation transmitted in parallel on the first and second wirelesscommunication channels 34 and 36, a first checksum of the information ordata transmitted on wireless communication channel 34 and a secondchecksum of information or data transmitted on wireless communicationchannel 36 can be calculated by the processor(s) 18 associated with thereceiving wireless transceiver. The calculated checksum(s) can becompared to a reference checksum comprising the data integrityinformation included with the transmitted information or data (todetermine whether communication of the information was successful).

The first checksum can be compared to the reference checksum todetermine whether the information or data transmitted on first wirelesscommunication channel 34 is valid. Similarly, the second checksum can becompared to the reference checksum to determine whether the informationor data transmitted on second wireless communication channel 36 isvalid. In an example, provided the information or data transmitted vialeast one wireless communication channel 34 and 36 is valid, theinformation or data can be utilized by the corresponding processor(s) 18in accordance with programming of the processor(s) 18. Moreover, theprocessor(s) 18 associated with the wireless transceiver receiving theinformation or data can utilize the calculated first and secondchecksums as a confirmation of the integrity of the information or data.In an example, if the calculated first and second checksums are the sameand each calculated checksum is the same as the reference checksumincluded with the transmitted information or data, the processor(s) 18associated with the wireless transceiver receiving the information ordata is assured of the integrity of the data, whereupon the processor(s)can store or respond to the information or data in accordance withprogramming of the processor(s).

If the processor(s) 18 associated with the wireless transceiverreceiving the information or data transmitted in parallel on the firstand second wireless communication channels 34 and 36 determines that,for example, the first checksum is not equal to the reference checksumand the second checksum is equal to the reference checksum, theprocessor(s) 18 optionally can store or respond to the informationtransmitted only on the second wireless communication channel, andoptionally ignore the information or data transmitted on the firstwireless communication channel.

Each response to information or data transmitted on a wireless channelcan include the processor(s) 18 associated with the wireless transceiver(e.g., 26 or 28) receiving the transmitted information or datatransmitting second information or data in parallel on the first andsecond wireless communication channels 34 and 36. The second informationtransmitted in parallel on the first and second wireless communicationchannels 34 and 36 can be received by the other wireless transceiver(e.g., 28 or 26).

In an example, the second communication unit 12 can transmit informationor data on first and second wireless communication channels 34 and 36 tothe first communication unit 8. In response, the processor(s) 18 of thefirst communication unit 8 may transmit second information or data inparallel on the first and second wireless communication channels 34 and36 to the second communication unit 12. In this example, the secondinformation or data may include an acknowledgement by the firstcommunication unit 8 that the information or data transmitted by thesecond communication unit 12 was received. In some embodiments orexamples, the information or data transmitted in parallel on first andsecond wireless communication channels 34 and 36 can be digital datathat is modulated on the respective first and second carrier frequenciesor frequency bands of the first and second communication channels 34 and36.

Each frequency band can include at least one of the followingfrequencies: a frequency of 450 MHz, a frequency between 450 MHz and 500MHz; a frequency of 220 MHz; a frequency of 160 MHz; or a cellulartelephone frequency between 700 MHz and 2.7 GHz, in various embodimentsor examples. In an example, each frequency may be a center frequency ofa corresponding frequency band.

With reference to FIG. 6 and with continuing reference to all previousfigures, in some embodiments or examples, in another method ofcommunicating between first and second controllers 30 and 32 positionedin spaced relation along the length of the vehicle system, where eachcontroller includes one or more processors 18, includes advancing fromstep 74-1 toward step 74-2. In step 74-2, first and second wirelesscommunication channels operating at first and second frequencies can beformed between first and second controllers 30 and 32. Step 74-2optionally can include, among other things, wireless transceivers 26 and28 being able to communicate with each other via first and secondwireless communication channels 34 and 36.

The method can then advance toward step 74-3, where the first and secondwireless communication channels 34 and 36 are caused to be incommunication with each other in parallel. This causes the first andsecond controllers 30 and 32 to be in communication via both the firstand second wireless communication channels 34 and 36. In step 74-4, thefirst controller can cause information or data to be transmitted inparallel on the first and second wireless communication channels 34 and36 to the second controller.

The method optionally can then advance to step 74-5, where the secondcontroller can receive the information transmitted in parallel on thefirst and second wireless communication channels 34 and 36 in step 74-4.Finally, the method can then advance toward step 74-6, where the firstand second wireless communication channels can be caused to be inactive(e.g., set to a sleep mode), where the first and second controllers arenot in communication. Thereafter, the method can repeat steps 74-3through 74-6 as needed (e.g., intermittently).

Step 74-3 optionally can include one of the wireless transceivers 26 or28 awakening from a low power, stand-by, or sleep mode into the active,fully operational mode, and initiating communication with the otherwireless transceiver via at least one of the first and second wirelesscommunication channels 34 and 36. In response to this communication, theother wireless transceiver can awaken from the low power, stand-by, orsleep mode into the active, fully operational mode, whereupon thewireless transceivers 26 and 28 can form first and second wirelesscommunication channels 34 and 36 in parallel.

The first controller can be controller 30 or 32 while the secondcontroller can be the other of controller of 30 or 32.

As can be seen, disclosed herein are methods of communicating betweenfirst and second controllers which can comprise the first communicationunit 8 and the second communication unit 12. The various methodsdescribed herein utilize first and second communication channels formedin parallel between the first and second controllers in parallel forcommunicating the same data between said first and second controllers.By providing first and second communication channels between the firstand second controllers, a drawback associated with utilizing only asingle channel for communication, namely, the communication channelbecoming disrupted whereupon there is no communication between the firstand second controllers for, possibility, an extended period of time dueto, for example, challenging environmental conditions.

In the present invention, the use of multiple communication channelssimultaneously improves the likelihood that the first and secondcontrollers will be able to communicate information when neededespecially for the safe operation of a train.

For example, for trains equipped with a pressurized brake pipe, it canbe desirable to release the pressure in the brake pipe (therebyactivating the brakes) from both ends of the train. This typically isaccomplished by the communication unit 8 transmitting a command to ventthe brake pipe to atmosphere to the second communication unit 12,thereby causing the brakes to be applied. The use of two or morecommunication channels in accordance one or more embodiments of theprinciples of the present invention versus a single communicationchannel in accordance with the teachings of the prior art, improves thelikelihood that the first communication unit 8 will be able tocommunicate a brake command to the second communication unit 12,especially when emergency braking is needed. Optionally, a communicationunit can operate in a parallel mode during one time period and in anon-parallel mode during another (preceding or subsequent) time period.For example, the first communication unit can communicate commoninformation to the second communication unit on different wirelesschannels (e.g., different center frequencies) at the same time (orduring overlapping time periods). At an earlier or later time, the firstcommunication unit can communicate information (same or differentinformation than the common information) to the second communicationunit on one of the same wireless channels (or a different wirelesschannel), but not on multiple channels. The communication unit(s) candetermine whether to send information in parallel on multiple channelsor via only a single channel depending on the type of information thatis communicated. In one embodiment, information related to safeoperation of the vehicle system is communicated in parallel, whileinformation related to auxiliary operations of the vehicle system iscommunicated via only a single channel. For example, locationinformation, instructions to change a throttle setting, instructions tochange a brake setting (e.g., a direction to apply brakes), pressurereadings of an air brake system, etc., can be communicated in parallelon multiple channels while other sensor information (e.g., temperaturemeasurements, speed measurements, voltage or current measurements, etc.)may be communicated via only a single channel.

In an embodiment, a method includes activating plural wirelesscommunication channels in parallel, between a first wireless transceiverand a second wireless transceiver onboard different vehicles (e.g., of atrain, road vehicle convoy or platoon, or other multi-vehicle vehiclesystem). Each of the plural wireless communication channels operates ata different radio carrier frequency. The method further includesconcurrently transmitting, by the first wireless transceiver, commoninformation (e.g., at least some of the same information) in parallel onthe plural wireless communication channels to the second wirelesstransceiver. The method further includes, after transmitting the commoninformation, deactivating the plural wireless communication channels.The method may further include subsequently activating only one, but notmultiple, of the wireless communication channels (i.e., one and oneonly), and transmitting, by the first wireless transceiver to the secondwireless transceiver, second, at least partially different informationon the one wireless communication channel that is activated.

Although the inventive subject matter has been described in detail forthe purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to bethe most practical preferred and non-limiting embodiments, examples, oraspects, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for thatpurpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed preferredand non-limiting embodiments, examples, or aspects, but, on thecontrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangementsthat are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Forexample, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplatesthat, to the extent possible, one or more features of any preferred andnon-limiting embodiment, example, or aspect can be combined with one ormore features of any other preferred and non-limiting embodiment,example, or aspect.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: activating plural wirelesscommunication channels in parallel, between a first wireless transceiverand a second wireless transceiver onboard different vehicles, each ofthe plural wireless communication channels operating at a differentradio carrier frequency; transmitting, by the first wirelesstransceiver, common information in parallel on the plural wirelesscommunication channels to the second wireless transceiver; anddeactivating the plural wireless communication channels.
 2. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: receiving, by the second wirelesstransceiver, the common information transmitted in parallel on theplural wireless communication channels.
 3. The method of claim 1,further comprising: changing one or more of a throttle setting or abrake setting of at least one of the vehicles using the commoninformation that is communicated.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein thecommon information is first information, and further comprising:subsequently activating only one but not multiple of the wirelesscommunication channels; and transmitting, by the first wirelesstransceiver to the second wireless transceiver, second information onthe one wireless communication channel that is activated.
 5. The methodof claim 1, wherein the vehicles are included in a rail vehicle system,the first wireless transceiver is included in a head-of-train (HOT)unit, the second wireless transceiver is included in an end-of-train(EOT) unit, and transmitting the common information in parallel on theplural wireless communication channels includes transmitting the commoninformation from the HOT unit to the EOT unit.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein activating plural wireless communication channels in parallelincludes switching at least one of the first wireless transceiver or thesecond wireless transceiver from a low power, stand-by, or sleep mode toan active or fully operational mode via a carrier frequency associatedwith at least one of the first or second wireless communicationchannels.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the different radio carrierfrequencies include a center frequency of 450 MHz and a cellulartelephone frequency.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein transmitting thecommon information includes transmitting the common information and atleast some different information on each of the plural wirelesscommunication channels.
 9. A system comprising: a first wirelesstransceiver configured to be operably disposed onboard a first vehicleand to activate plural wireless communication channels in parallelbetween the first wireless transceiver and a second wireless transceiveronboard a second vehicle, each of the plural wireless communicationchannels operating at a different radio carrier frequency, the firstwireless transceiver further configured to transmit common informationin parallel on the plural wireless communication channels to the secondwireless transceiver, and the first wireless transceiver furtherconfigured to deactivate the plural wireless communication channelsfollowing transmission of the common information in parallel on theplural wireless communication channels.
 10. The system of claim 9,wherein the second wireless transceiver is configured to receive thecommon information transmitted in parallel on the plural wirelesscommunication channels.
 11. The system of claim 9, further comprising:one or more processors configured to change one or more of a throttlesetting or a brake setting of at least one of the first vehicle or thesecond vehicle using the common information that is communicated. 12.The system of claim 9, wherein the common information is firstinformation, and the first wireless transceiver is configured tosubsequently activate only one but not multiple of the wirelesscommunication channels and transmit second information to the secondwireless transceiver on the one wireless communication channel that isactivated.
 13. The system of claim 9, wherein the first and secondvehicles are included in a rail vehicle system, the first wirelesstransceiver is a head-of-train (HOT) unit, and the second wirelesstransceiver is an end-of-train (EOT) unit.
 14. The system of claim 9,wherein the different radio carrier frequencies include a centerfrequency of 450 MHz and a cellular telephone frequency.
 15. The systemof claim 9, wherein the first wireless transceiver transmits at leastsome different information on one of the wireless communication channelsthat is not transmitted on another of the wireless communicationchannels.
 16. A system comprising: a wireless head-of-train (HOT)transceiver configured to be operably disposed onboard a first railvehicle and to activate plural wireless communication channels inparallel between the HOT transceiver and a wireless end-of-train (EOT)transceiver onboard a second rail vehicle, each of the plural wirelesscommunication channels operating at a different radio carrier frequency,the HOT transceiver further configured to transmit common information inparallel on the plural wireless communication channels to the EOTtransceiver, and the HOT transceiver further configured to deactivatethe plural wireless communication channels.
 17. The system of claim 16,wherein the HOT transceiver is configured to deactivate the pluralwireless communication channels by entering a low power, stand-by orsleep mode.
 18. The system of claim 16, wherein the HOT transceiver isconfigured to subsequently transmit additional information to the EOTtransceiver via a single wireless communication channel of the pluralwireless communication channels.
 19. The system of claim 16, wherein theradio carrier frequencies of the plural wireless communication channelsinclude a center frequency of 450 MHz and a cellular telephonefrequency.
 20. The system of claim 16, wherein the HOT transceiver isconfigured to deactivate the plural wireless communication channels byswitching to a low power, stand-by, or sleep mode from an active orfully operational mode.